What’s In My Makeup Bag?

I always love reading the “what’s in my makeup bag?” posts when other bloggers write them. So I thought I’d pay it forward by sharing with you all the products I’m currently using.

Once I put everything together, I was very pleasantly surprised by how many of the products can be found at drugstores. It just goes to show that not everything has to be expensive to be great! So let’s break it down, shall we? Affiliate links included, and as always, I only promote what I like!

1. Beautyblendermakeup sponge. This came very highly recommended to me by my blogging friend Kayla. So I decided to splurge on it and give it a try. It definitely provides a smooth, even coverage, and I like how I can use the tip of it for applying concealer instead of using my fingers, which is what I have been doing for years. Truth, though? I think my sponges from Merle Norman work almost as well!

2. Mary Kay Signature Concealer. This is one of only two concealers that I have ever found that will decently cover the dark circles under my eyes. I’m not a big Mary Kay fan, but I’m pretty darn loyal to this product. I think they may have changed the packaging to black since the last time I purchased this (I usually buy two tubes at once!). If you were wondering, the other product that I think works well is Olay Total Effects Dark Circles Minimizing Brush.

3. Advanced Mineral Makeup. This is the most expensive item I’m showcasing. But I’m of the opinion that foundation is the makeup area worthy of the splurge. This stuff provides fantastic coverage that looks natural. I love it!

4. Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder. I picked this up at a drugstore on a whim when I was out of powder. I like to set my foundation with a loose powder, and this one was inexpensive, and had been around since the 1920s. I figured if it was still being made, it must have gotten something right! I think it does a great job of setting my look, and I’d recommend it!

5. Mark Blush. Unfortunately, this blush is so old that I can’t even find it online (and now you know…yes, I keep some of my makeup way past its recommended expiration date!). What I like about it is the fact that the center part of the blush has a darker color. When I sweep my blush brush over the entire thing, and then apply it to my face, it gives a really great and naturally flushed look. Love it! I think this product from L’Oreal has the same intentions, but I have never tried it, myself.

6. NARS Blush, Orgasm. This has got to be the most popular blush color made in the last 15 years. It is said to be a universally flattering color. I read an article that mentioned it several years ago, and decided to give it a try. I would have never purchased a blush that looks so orange on my own! But the color is very pretty, indeed!

7. Bare Escentuals Flawless Application Face Brush. I used to be EXTREMELY loyal to Bare Minerals products, and I wouldn’t hesitate for a second to recommend them. The only reason I stopped using them (for now) is because I just have too much fun trying out different makeup products to lock down my options for too long! I also think their brushes are outstanding, and love using this one for my blush application. I’ll also sometimes use it for my loose powder application.

8. e.l.f. Eyeliner. I’m willing to change my mind on this if a brand proves me wrong, but I am currently of the opinion that cheap eyeliner is the way to go! Splurge on other areas besides this one. I like e.l.f. eyeliners perfectly fine. I don’t have glowing things to say about them, but they get the job done. Two of my pencils even have a bit of shimmer in them, and that is a fun way to look a little more festive and dressy without dousing yourself with glitter and trying to look like the teenager that you aren’t.

9. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss, Nude Lustre. This is my go-to gloss for everyday wear. Pinky/neutral, goes with pretty much everything. Doesn’t stay on forever, but I have yet to find a gloss that does!

10. Sally Hansen Sculpt & Shape Lip Color, Rococo. A little goes a long way with this power red. Red lipstick really is an accessory in its own right, and sometimes, it makes a much more powerful statement than a chunky necklace or an armful of bracelets. Love this one!

11. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss, Shine City. This is a great layering gloss. Put it on top of any matte lipstick for instant shimmer and sheen. Or wear alone. It looks great that way, too!

12. Bare Minerals Smoky Eye brush. Sorry, friends. I couldn’t find this one online! One end of the brush is shaped like a V to help with applying shadow in the outer corner of your eye, and the other side is used for editing…sweeping away the areas where you went a little too far with the look. Very useful; bummed that I can’t find it for you!

13. EcoTools eyeshadow brushes. These are the main ones I use, but I also have a few others I will use from time to time. I think these brushes are terrific and they are VERY reasonably priced! I’ve been using mine for a few years now, and they are still going strong.

14. Julep eyelash curler. I like the look of this eyelash curler and the fact that it takes up much less space than a more traditional curler would. I think it came free with one of my monthly subscriptions, so I’m not even sure if you can buy this one. I don’t think that you necessarily have to have this one, but I do think that you should get in the habit of curling your eyelashes if you aren’t currently doing so. It makes a huge difference!

15. Revlon Lash Potion Mascara. I’m currently using this for the first time, and I will absolutely buy it again. It lifts, separates and makes my lashes seem bigger. So basically, it is a push-up bra for your eyelashes! 🙂 Also, pretty package, no?

16. L’Oreal Paris HiP Metallic Duos, Sculpted. This is the shadow I take with me any time I travel. It has KILLER staying power, and looks absolutely beautiful on. I am planning on purchasing more in the HIP line after my current shadow love has dwindled sufficiently. Speaking of which…

17. e.l.f. 100 Piece Eyeshadow Palette. I think I snagged this for $10 or less during a holiday promotion, and I have been using it pretty faithfully ever since. My lid tore off about 6 months ago, so in that sense, I got what I paid for. But the colors are SO much fun to experiment with; I’m trying colors I never thought I could, and am finding fun ways to wear them that aren’t extreme. This palette is so much fun, and I think it is a total steal, even for $25. And if you use an eyeshadow primer (this one is my favorite) then the colors will last for quite a long time!

So there you have it! Now you know what I’m currently using for my makeup routine! Any products on the list that you also love, or that you’d love to try? Or do you have a go-to makeup product that you’d love to share? Do tell!

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[…] cover them up. For a long time, I have used Mary Kay’s concealer (it’s actually one of my favorite makeup products), and it worked really well. But I think as I have aged and the dark circles have become a bit […]

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Grab your beverage of choice (mine is iced coffee) and let's hang out for a spell! I'm Tiffany, and I've rambunctious little girls and a fierce desire to share any tip and trick I can find to make lives with little ones a bit less hectic and a lot more fun. [Read more...]